Chinese HR Plate Prices Edge Higher in August, Backed by Supply Discipline and Auto Gains Amid Uneven Construction Activity

Key Takeaways:

• Chinese Stainless Steel HR Plate prices climbed *.** month-on-month to $*,***/mt in August ****
• Stainless steel HR Plate mills boosted ***-series production by *.*** as profits started returning
• HRC feedstock held steady at $***/mt, creeping up from June&#**;s rock-bottom $***/mt
• Auto buyers came back to life with *.*** million vehicle sales, including *.*** million EVs
• Construction equipment operators stayed busy: excavator sales jumped **.** yearly, loaders up **.**
• Mill warehouses finally started emptying as inventories dropped to comfortable levels

Regional Analysis and *-Month Context

Chinese Stainless Steel HR Plate prices have a story of resilience to tell after a tough first half. Mills saw prices decline aggressively from a solid $*,***/mt in March to a troubling $*,***/mt in June - a painful *.** drop that made many question their business model. July&#**;s slightly improved $*,***/mt offered the first glimmer of positive news, and August&#**;s...